Dempo SC Triumphs Over Aizawl FC with 3-0 Victory in IFL

Dempo SC Secures Convincing Win Against Aizawl FC

Margao (Goa) [India], April 11: In a commanding performance, Dempo SC defeated Aizawl FC 3-0, thanks to second-half goals from Marcus Joseph, Jose Luis Moreno, and substitute Sebastian Gutierrez during their Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 match at the PJN Stadium in Goa on Saturday.

With this victory, Dempo SC climbed to fifth place in the standings, accumulating nine points from nine matches, while Aizawl FC fell to sixth, sharing the same points total.

Dempo SC's head coach, Samir Naik, retained the same lineup from their previous match, whereas Aizawl FC's coach, R. Lalruatfela, made two substitutions, introducing Laldanmawia and Luis Rodriguez in place of Laldawngzuala and Tumur Talipov.

In the first half, Aizawl FC appeared more aggressive, applying pressure on the Dempo defense. Goalkeeper Ashish Siby was kept busy, making several crucial saves, including a notable stop against Laltlanzova's long-range attempt. K. Vanlalhriatzuala also had a chance but couldn't keep his shot down.

Dempo SC, on the other hand, focused on building their play from the back but struggled to create significant chances for forwards Marcus Joseph and Richmond Owusu. Their only real attempt came from Saiesh Bagkar, whose long-range shot was on target.

Just before halftime, Dempo SC took the lead unexpectedly. Aizawl's H. Lalrempuia mishandled a midfield pass, allowing Kapil Hoble to deliver a cross that found Saiesh. The full-back controlled the ball, evaded his marker, and aimed for the bottom corner. The shot took a deflection off Marcus Joseph, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and finding the net.

Carrying their momentum into the second half, Dempo SC created two scoring chances within five minutes. Aubin Kouakou missed a header from a corner, and Marcus Joseph, left unmarked, also failed to convert.

Dempo doubled their lead in the 53rd minute from a corner kick. Kapil Hoble's delivery was met powerfully by Saiesh Bagkar, whose effort was saved acrobatically by Aizawl's goalkeeper Lalhruaitluanga, but the rebound fell to Jose Luis Moreno, who easily slotted it home.

Aizawl FC was awarded a penalty shortly after the hour mark when a defender was fouled in the box. Zomuansanga took the penalty but was thwarted by a brilliant save from Ashish Siby, who dove to his right to maintain the lead.

Despite pushing forward in search of a goal, Aizawl struggled to penetrate the solid Dempo defense, which was content to hold their ground.

In injury time, substitute Sebastian Gutierrez capped off a counterattack, sealing the match with a third goal for Dempo SC.

With this win, Dempo SC secured their second consecutive victory and moved into the top six of the league standings.